EsegiÅ½l 16: Weggooikind, spogbruid of ontroue vrou?

Abstract

Ezekiel 16: Abandoned child, bride adorned or unfaithful wife? Ezekiel 16:1-63 uses different metaphors in bringing its message home. For instance it uses the shocking metaphor of immorality in order to eliminate the false confidence in human merit. We find Yahweh in this text as an outraged and exasperated lover. The pendulum swings in Ezekiel 16. metaphorically, from an abandoned child of suspect parentage (judgement) to ceremonies of fetching the bride (restoration); from a wedding (restoration) to a prostitute who pays her lovers (judgement); and from the disgraceful conduct of her daughters (judgement) to a new everlasting covenant (restoration). This is a mirror image from life with a meaning for life. Opposites meet in this text: Here is magnificent mercy, regardless of filth and vileness; and then the love of Yahweh in spite of the evil of man. The purpose: A new understanding and appreciation of Yahweh.